Risks of wearing sunglasses without a UV filter

Dr. Sinu Guiseev, an ophthalmologist, points out that many people buy sunglasses in the summer, but most of them do not pay attention to whether they have UV protection.

The doctor warned that choosing unsuitable sunglasses could lead to serious damage to the eyes, explaining how to select glasses that provide effective protection from ultraviolet rays.

He pointed out that the effect of ultraviolet rays accumulates gradually without direct observation, stressing that children are the most at risk, as a person receives about 80 percent of the ultraviolet radiation dose during childhood before the age of 18, as a result of the transparency of the eye lens and the dilation of the pupil at this stage, which makes visual protection necessary starting from an early age.

He explained that short-term risks include retinal burns resulting from direct exposure to sunlight without protection, in addition to photokeratitis, which appears several hours after exposure, especially in highly reflective environments such as mountainous or snowy areas, and is accompanied by severe pain, tearing, a feeling of sand in the eye, light sensitivity, dryness, and redness.

In the long term, he pointed to risks such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and tissue growth on the surface of the cornea, along with an increased risk of developing cancers of the eye and surrounding tissues.

He stressed the need to choose glasses that carry clear certification marks such as UV400, 100 percent UV protection, or the CE mark, warning that the absence of these marks may make the glasses more dangerous than not using them, because dark lenses may lead to pupil dilation and increased entry of harmful rays.

He added that the choice of filters should be appropriate to the environment, as category 2 is recommended for use within cities, category 3 for beaches or during driving and outdoor activities, while category 4 is reserved for high mountain areas and is not recommended for use while driving.

He also pointed out that polarized lenses reduce glare and eye strain but do not provide protection from ultraviolet rays, making a protective filter an essential and indispensable element.

He concluded by emphasizing the importance of purchasing eyeglasses only from specialized optical stores, to ensure the quality of the lenses, the ability to verify specifications, and to obtain reliable warranties.